Thread: Holsters?

I have a friend that referred me to you for this.I have been looking EVERYWHERE for a non-concealment holster for a taurus 9mm millennium pt111. The problem I am running across is the length of the barrel.

I have heard wonderful things about your store, and am hoping you are still around to help! I have been looking EVERYWHERE for a non-concealment holster for a Taurus 9mm Millennium PT11.

The two problems I am running in to are -

1. The length of the barrel. It is 6" and I can not find a holster for anything that short!

2. I am pretty petite at only 5' tall. All the shoulder holsters that I can find are meant for taller people. Not fair!!

Thnx & I hope you can help! It seams you are my last local stop before I result to checking out china!

I am obviously not Sully but…

I am guessing the slide is 6” not the barrel which I believe is 3.25”.

Do you want a horizontal or vertical shoulder rig?
Have you looked at generic holsters like Uncle Mike’s Sidekick holsters? I am pretty sure Sully carries them or something similar.
Uncle Mike's - Holsters

Why a shoulder holsters? Have you ever carried one? They can get real uncomfortable.

While I am still working on getting my CWP, I was told that for recreational purposes it is best to have a shoulder holster as it is very apparent that you are carrying. Is this wrong? I am more comfortable with it in the back of my pants with the grip showing. Is that considered concealed if it is on the inside of your pants with it partially showing?

Also, being a girl, I have found that my choices seem limited in actual concealment unless I am to carry in my purse, which I am not comfortable with.

And I am sorry if I sound like a complete idiot. I have been shooting a .22 long rifle for about two years now, but have just gotten in to the hand gun thing.

Originally Posted by ms3moo4

While I am still working on getting my CWP, I was told that for recreational purposes it is best to have a shoulder holster as it is very apparent that you are carrying. Is this wrong?

I would not necessarily say its wrong, however, IMO a shoulder holster is “best” for very little. Unless you have a specific need for a shoulder rig, I would pass on this advice and get a cheap belt holster you can carry in the same position you intend to carry when you get your permit. That fact is most shoulder holsters get very uncomfortable after awhile, they tend to pull down on the shoulders and can create neck pain. Those that don’t are very high quality and properly constructed will run you at least $200 and on up to $400 and that’s a steep price tag for a temporary holster. Most gals I know find shoulder holsters do not work well with their breasts, either due to restrictive access, discomfort or both. Again it takes an expensive purpose build rig to negate these downsides. Also if you get cold and need a jacket you will either cover your unconcealed weapon thereby being in violation without a permit or be forced to remove the holster and readjust it for the thicker clothing or not wear it at all. With a belt holster, as long as you don’t have a super long cover garment you should be good to go. They mean well but boyfriends/husbands and most men in general are often not the best source of advice for women and guns unless they have specific experience on the subject and take into account the differences between the sexes.

Originally Posted by ms3moo4

I am more comfortable with it in the back of my pants with the grip showing. Is that considered concealed if it is on the inside of your pants with it partially showing?

You would not be violation as long as the butt of the pistol remains visible. However, DO NOT just tuck your pistol in your pants; always use a holster that protects the trigger from unintentional access. Also avoid SOB (small of back) carry they are slow to access, not very concealable and have the potential for permanent spine injury should you fall on it. A strong side IWB (inside the waist band) is a great way to carry with a proper holster and belt. BTW a proper belt is even more important a good holster.

Originally Posted by ms3moo4

Also, being a girl, I have found that my choices seem limited in actual concealment unless I am to carry in my purse, which I am not comfortable with.

I knew you were a girl on your first post, not many dudes describe themselves as “pretty petite” and that’s why I thought it was kind of odd you wanted a shoulder holster.

Not true, there are tons of concealment options out there for women these days. Yes, that will be the case if you’re looking at your local sports store or gun shop, but you do have options, use the internet. The firearm industry is currently very in tune with the increased market potential aimed toward women, there has never been a better time for gals ‘n guns than right now. The gals I know that are serious about CCW have several holsters or other various methods of carry that they use depending how they dress for a given situation. I other words, they will have a rig for when they wear jeans and a t-shirt, something completely different when they wear a skirt and blouse or evening gown, it may be a purse or a garter belt holster. The options out there are as widely variable as your mode of dress. One thing to keep in mind is, while belt carry is a great way to carry, most belt holsters are designed with men in mind. Women have wider hips and are narrower in the waist; many holsters that work fine for a man will ride too high on a woman and due to the curvature of your hips will force the muzzle out and butt into your ribs creating discomfort. This is especially true when carried in the 3 or 9 o’clock position, but can be reduced by moving further back to the 4:30 or 6:30 position with a canted holster. Another option is something like Kramer’s Women’s Belt Scabbard (see link below) that specifically takes into account a womans anatomy. One final thing on this subject, holsters are a personal thing, what works for me may not necessarily work for you, even something that works for one woman may not work for another, it’s just like shoes. It is very common for people to end up with a box or drawer of holsters that did not work out, just the way it is.

Here’s a few examples:
Remora No-Clip IWB Holster - review & demo - YouTube

faliaphotography's Channel - YouTube

Ladies Gun Holster

Originally Posted by ms3moo4

And I am sorry if I sound like a complete idiot. I have been shooting a .22 long rifle for about two years now, but have just gotten in to the hand gun thing.

You do not sound like an idiot. You sound like a beginner stepping into the very vast world of firearms and their defensive use. There is no need to apologize for that. You are taking a proactive interest and making the time to educate yourself. I applaud your effort and wish more women would do the same. The best advice I can give you is to seek out legitimate training. Often answers to gear questions will present themselves with experience. Good luck, best wishes and welcome to the forum.

Excellent advice so far. Another thought I had is to contact Oregon Firearms Academy. They train lots of men and women and might have some good information for you.
Oregon Firearms Academy LLC - Contact Info.
I like to carry IWB so at least most of the gun is tucked in the pants. For me a real gun belt is a must and my jeans have to be about 1 to 2 sizes bigger. Do I print? If you know what to look for of coarse I do with a full size gun on me. Has anybody noticed is the important question? So far nobody has freaked out. But I do let the shirt cover it so nobody has to know. Holster is a Tommy THEIS In the Waist Band and a Galco reinforced Instructor Belt.
Good luck,
Mike

Fobus makes a direct fit kydex paddle holster.

You may also want to call Julie at "The Place To Shoot" near Delta Park. I'm sure she would have some suggestions for you.